SeaMonkey

Our loyalty to Netscape as the most secure browser, with best features, is likely coming to an end.

I'm currently evaluating SeaMonkey from Mozilla as an alternative.


Many clients report Netscape crashes when opening web pages that are created with advanced graphics, flash screens end embedded video.

Netscape v. 8.3 is stable, but many of us are holding on to v. 7.2 because it is the last version to include email. Newer versions are browser only, exactly like IE and Firefox.

But Netscape was always fantastic. It was relatively safe from hackers, offered tabbed browsing, robust email with an excellent junk filter, labels to sort mail by priority and sub-folder support.

Then there was the outstanding ability to edit web pages and publish them on the fly. I used this feature every week. The HTML editor was unique to Netscape. Copy-cats IE and Firefox didn't add that to their browser, and couldn't seem to figure out a way to include email.

SeaMonkey, from the original makers of Netscape looks like a good replacement. You can download the product here: http://www.mozilla.org/projects/seamonkey/
or wait til I have a chance to conclude a 30-day test of the program. Write to me at Helen@cclarity.com if you have questions or opinions about SeaMonkey.

Tips for Creating Strong Passwords

1. Use more than the minimum number of six characters, since longer passwords are generally more secure than shorter ones.
2. Use punctuation symbols in your password, such as a period ( . ) or an exclamation point ( ! ), and a mix of upper and lowercase letters.
3. Replace a letter or two with a number or symbol that looks similar, such as @ for a or 1 for i.
4. Avoid common words or well known information about yourself (such as birth date and family members' names) as part of your password. Instead, use a word or phrase that is easy for you to remember but difficult for others to figure out.
5. Use a memory aid. One common method for creating strong passwords is to create a phrase that only you would understand to use as an aid for remembering your password (mnemonic).

For example, a common mnemonic used to help school children remember the notes for the lines of the G clef musical scale (EGBDF, from bottom to top) is "Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge." An associated password for that mnemonic could be gClef_3gbdf.


Why Create a Strong Password?

Online criminals are, unfortunately, very sophisticated at figuring out passwords. The strong password requirements that BizLand enforces are far more effective at keeping your account secure than simple everyday words.

Here's a test you'll likely fail:
Go to http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/privacy/password_checker.mspx
and see how quickly your password fails to pass their basic security check.

Any questions? Contact helen@cclarity.com